Nelsonville charts course for charterless government
By Jack Solon | Feb. 4Nelsonville citizens voted to abolish its city charter of almost 30 years, a first in Ohio history.
POLITICS
Athens City Council continues efforts toward racial equity
By Lilia Santeramo | Jan. 31City Council met in committee to discuss potential updates of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, affirming steps to a racial equity plan.
Trump pauses federal grants, loans, may affect OU students
By Drew Hoffmaster | Jan. 29Trump announced the freezing of all federal loans and grants starting Tuesday at 5 p.m. EST in a memorandum released on Monday. The funding freeze has the potential of upsetting up to $3 trillion dollars of funding in federal loans and grants.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage deal reached
By Finn Smith | Jan. 28The 15-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas has come to an end as a ceasefire and hostage deal has been reached. The nations are in agreement to steadily release hostages and withdraw troops. Many voice their excitement while acknowledging there is still work to be done.
TikTok’s future remains uncertain after executive order
By Lilia Santeramo | Jan. 24Trump’s executive order pausing enforcement of a law banning TikTok from the U.S. keeps the app active but does not establish a permanent solution.
Athens Police Department to start charging for body camera footage
By Avery St. George | Jan. 21The signing of this bill has also raised concerns about the rights of media organizations and some groups are worried about the future of public records laws in Ohio.
Trump sworn in for second, non-consecutive term
By Finn Smith | Jan. 21Donald Trump has officially been sworn back into the office of presidency for a second term Monday.
An economist’s perspective on Trump’s tariffs
By Suzanne Piper | Jan. 14If Trump increases tariffs, as planned, businesses will pay for imported goods and consumer costs will increase
Advocates prepare for future threats to reproductive healthcare
By McKenna Christy | Jan. 13As President-elect Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated Jan. 20, some reproductive justice advocates and students in Ohio are concerned about the possibility of future restrictions on reproductive health care and abortion.
Athens City Council discusses income tax increase Monday night
By Maggie Allwein | Dec. 17Athens City Council passes ordinance to put general city income tax on Primary ballot, community members push back in light of recent misappropriation of funds. The council meeting extended to almost two hours, with disagreements over a .3% increase.
HB 475 would prohibit local governments from funding abortion access
By McKenna Christy | Dec. 4Ohio House Bill 475 was proposed in April and seeks to prohibit state funds from being used to assist in people’s access to abortion.
Inside Ohio campaign spending, what happens to leftover funds
By Avery St. George | Dec. 3Political campaigns are required to keep track of all contributions and expenses during the election and this information must be made public record to ensure fairness.
SB 104 signed, students worry over safety concerns
By Drew Hoffmaster | Dec. 3Gov. Mike Dewine signed Ohio Senate Bill 104 into law, concerning Ohio University students. The bill updated Ohio’s College Credit Plus program to increase awareness of the program and allowed for seventh to 12th grade students to enroll.
Students, Athens residents steady themselves for second Trump presidency
By Jackson McCoy | Nov. 22With just under two months left until Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the U.S., students and locals are preparing for uncertainty.
Student Senate hosts speakers at town hall
By Elizabeth Talaga | Nov. 14Senate held a town hall Wednesday evening with updates from the Dean of Students, Athens Fire Department, Ohio University Housing and Residence Life, Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate President Dan Gordillo.
Incumbent County Commissioner Charlie Adkins defeats Independent Jon Rose
By Andersen Beck | Nov. 6Charlie Adkins, the Incumbent County Commissioner of Athens retained his office and beat Independent candidate Jon Rose, winning by 63.6%.
Bernie Moreno wins Ohio Senate seat
By Elizabeth Talaga | Nov. 5Bernie Moreno wins Senate race, defeating Incumbent Sherrod Brown.
Republican Don Jones re-elected as state representative for 95th district
By Zoe Weyand | Nov. 5Although Athens County favored Micah McCarey for state representative for the 95th district, Republican candidate Don Jones won the district overall.
Ohio voters reject Issue 1, block gerrymandering reform
By Drew Hoffmaster | Nov. 5Issue 1, banning gerrymandering and holding more redistricting accountability, did not pass in Ohio despite bipartisan support.
Athens Levy 17 passes, supports local library services
By Bianca Grim | Nov. 5Levy 17 passes in Athens County, supporting library services needing funding after cuts
